Explore Europe

Explore Europe

By Michelle Purse & John SweeneySociety & CulturePlaces & Travel
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Explore Europe episodes

  • [002] Berlin
    Explore Europe: Berlin Show Notes

    This very first episode of Explore Europe brought to you Used Car Guys starts in the capital city of Berlin. A fantastic city that is steeped in history, has a long association with the U.S. Military and is full of must-see sights. It's super easy to get to and very simple to get around. Simply put, Berlin is at the top of the list of places you should visit whilst based in Germany!

    Here are the links from our Explore Europe Berlin episode:
    • For booking train tickets (aim for three months out for the best deals): https://www.bahn.com/en/view/index.shtml
  • For finding accommodation: booking.com
  • This is the hotel where John stayed: http://www.titanic.com.tr/titanicgendarmenmarktberlin/default-de.html
  • Hop on/Hop off Bus Tours of Berlin: http://www.berlin-city-tour.de/en.html or https://www.hop-on-hop-off-bus.com/berlin-bus-tours
  • The restaurant John recommends: http://www.hackethals.de/
  • The history of the Berlin Wall: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berlin_Wall
  • President John F Kennedy speech at The Brandenburg Gate ‘Ich bin ein Berliner’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GKd50lrROc
  • President Ronald Reagan speech at The Brandenburg Gate ‘Mr Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr Gorbachev, tear down this wall!’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MDFX-dNtsM (11:20)
  • The Tank ‘stand_off’ at Checkpoint Charlie that Michelle mentions: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/oct/24/berlin-crisis-standoff-checkpoint-charlie
  • Check Point Charlie Museum: http://www.mauermuseum.de/en/index.html
  • Spy Museum Berlin: http://www.spymuseumberlin.com/en/
  • Ka De We famous department store: https://www.kadewe.de
  • Rittersport: https://www.ritter-sport.de/en/Visit-RITTER-SPORT/berlin.html
  • Sustainable Travel Tip: Refuse the straw! In German when ordering a drink, say ‘Kein Strohalm bitte’. Find out more about the effect straws are having on our oceans and marine wildlife here: http://www.vancouverbc.surfrider.org/straws-suck/

    •  

    Are you planning a trip to Berlin? We would love to hear all about your trip and any tips you have for fellow explorers. Leave a comment below or tweet us at @explore_europe and use the hashtag #ExploreEurope

     

    Podcast Conversation Timeline

    00:01 - Introduction to Berlin

    1:28 - The History of Berlin

    2:50 - When is the best time to visit?

    4:13 - What is the public transport system like?

    6:48 - How to book your accommodation

    7:37 - Prices of Hotels in the city

    8:22 - What is the food like?

    8:56 - The Famous Currywurst debate

    9:35 - Restaurant recommendations and tips

    11:16 - Local Currency and Visa Information

    12:13 - Is Berlin a safe city to visit?

    12:48 - But, what about the language barrier?

    13:35 - Is it family-friendly?

    14:35 - The Hotspots of Berlin

    15:24 - The infamous Brandenburg Gate and why it’s a must see when visiting Berlin

    17:13 - Checkpoint Charlie - what links does it have to the USA and why should you visit?

    18:25 - The fall of the Berlin Wall

    20:01 - What does John think about spies and how does James Bond connect to Berlin?

    20:28 - Michelle and John get cultured and discuss the wall art of Berlin

    21:02 - How Berlin is rebuilding from the war - brick by brick

    21:53 - Don’t miss these must-see places to visit in Berlin…

    22:10 - The Television Tower (Fernsehturm)

    22:50 - The shopping mall of Europe - KaDeWe

    23:42 - A whole section on German Chocolate - yum!

    25:04 - The beautiful architecture of Berlin

    25:39 - What is there to see at the Alexander Platz?

    26:40 - What’s the best mode of transport to use when getting around the city?

    28:17 - Don’t miss Michelle’s sustainable travel tip, something to make us all more mindful travellers and reduce our impact on the planet as we explore more of it.

     

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    A Massive Thank You For Listening!

    31 min
  • [001] Welcome to Explore Europe Podcast

    Welcome to Explore Europe brought to use by Used Car Guys! If you are stationed in Germany, or perhaps even Italy or the UK, then this podcast is for you. Get the best out of your tour whilst you are based here.

    Explore a new location each week of the series and discover our highlights to help you plan your trip - including some key shortcuts, insider knowledge and suggested itineraries.

    2 min
  • [003] Explore Europe: Heidelberg
    Explore Europe: Heidelberg Show Notes

    On this episode of Explore Europe we visit the beautiful and historic city of Heidelberg and discover it's charming streets, bridges, buildings and the castle. You can explore all the main attractions in one day so it's certainly worth putting into your diary. 


    Did you know that Heidelberg was host to the U.S. Military since the 7th Army moved it's HQ there in the 60s right up until USAREUR handed back the keys to all of the installations in 2015? 


     


    Here are the links from our Explore Europe Heidelberg episode:
    • For finding ‘Happy Weekend’ train tickets: https://www.bahn.com/en/view/offers/regional/weekend-ticket-for-germany.shtml

  • The restaurant that Michelle recommends: http://palmbraeugasse.de

  • The restaurant and brewery that John recommends: http://www.heidelberger-kulturbrauerei.de/en

  • The Philosopher’s Walk: https://www.tourism-heidelberg.com/explore/historical-sights/heiligenberg/philosophers-walk/index_eng.html

  • Castle Illumination: http://www.heidelberg-marketing.de/en/events/highlights/castle-illuminations.html

  • Heidelberg Castle: https://www.tourism-heidelberg.com/explore/historical-sights/schloss-heidelberg/index_eng.html

  • Funicular Railway (to the Castle): https://www.tourism-heidelberg.com/explore/historical-sights/koenigstuhl/funicular-railway/index_eng.html

  • United States Army Garrison Heidelberg: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Army_Garrison_Heidelberg

    •  


    Are you planning a trip to Heidelberg? We would love to hear all about your trip and any tips you have for fellow explorers. Leave a comment below or tweet us at @explore_europe and use the hashtag #ExploreEurope


     


    Heidelberg Conversation Stamps

    00:01 - Where are we exploring today?


    1:11 - Where is Heidelberg, and how do you get there?


    1:39 - Traffic and parking


    2:07 - Cheap Train Ticket Deals to Heidelberg


    2:48 - What is the best public transport for exploring?


    3:09  - The Hauptstrasse | - The longest shopping street in Germany!!!


    4:13 - Things to see - The Church Of The Holy Spirit |  The Market  


    4:48 - The Karl Theodor Bridge


    6:33 - The Christmas Markets at Heidelberg


    7:21 - The Philosophers Weg - a trail not for the faint of heart


    8:53 - So, what’s the food like in Heidelberg? John and Michelle give you their top recommendations.


    12:29 - The History of Heidelberg


    14:18 - The Main attraction of Heidelberg is the beautiful castle. Or as it’s called in Germany - The Schloss


    14:56 - After all that culture, why not visit the world’s largest wine barrel? John tells us more.


    15:27 - How do you get to the top of the castle?  

    22 min
  • [002] Explore Europe: Berlin
    Explore Europe: Berlin Show Notes

    This very first episode of Explore Europe starts in the capital city of Berlin. A fantastic city that is steeped in history, has a long association with the U.S. Military and is full of must-see sights. It's super easy to get to and very simple to get around. Simply put, Berlin is at the top of the list of places you should visit whilst based in Germany!


    Here are the links from our Explore Europe Berlin episode:
    • For booking train tickets (aim for three months out for the best deals): https://www.bahn.com/en/view/index.shtml

  • For finding accommodation: booking.com

  • This is the hotel where John stayed: http://www.titanic.com.tr/titanicgendarmenmarktberlin/default-de.html

  • Hop on/Hop off Bus Tours of Berlin: http://www.berlin-city-tour.de/en.html or https://www.hop-on-hop-off-bus.com/berlin-bus-tours

  • The restaurant John recommends: http://www.hackethals.de/

  • The history of the Berlin Wall: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berlin_Wall

  • President John F Kennedy speech at The Brandenburg Gate ‘Ich bin ein Berliner’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GKd50lrROc

  • President Ronald Reagan speech at The Brandenburg Gate ‘Mr Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr Gorbachev, tear down this wall!’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MDFX-dNtsM (11:20)

  • The Tank ‘stand_off’ at Checkpoint Charlie that Michelle mentions: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/oct/24/berlin-crisis-standoff-checkpoint-charlie

  • Check Point Charlie Museum: http://www.mauermuseum.de/en/index.html

  • Spy Museum Berlin: http://www.spymuseumberlin.com/en/

  • Ka De We famous department store: https://www.kadewe.de

  • Rittersport: https://www.ritter-sport.de/en/Visit-RITTER-SPORT/berlin.html

  • Sustainable Travel Tip: Refuse the straw! In German when ordering a drink, say ‘Kein Strohalm bitte’. Find out more about the effect straws are having on our oceans and marine wildlife here: http://www.vancouverbc.surfrider.org/straws-suck/

    •  


    Are you planning a trip to Berlin? We would love to hear all about your trip and any tips you have for fellow explorers. Leave a comment below or tweet us at @explore_europe and use the hashtag #ExploreEurope


     


    Podcast Conversation Timeline

    00:01 - Introduction to Berlin


    1:28 - The History of Berlin


    2:50 - When is the best time to visit?


    4:13 - What is the public transport system like?


    6:48 - How to book your accommodation


    7:37 - Prices of Hotels in the city


    8:22 - What is the food like?


    8:56 - The Famous Currywurst debate


    9:35 - Restaurant recommendations and tips


    11:16 - Local Currency and Visa Information


    12:13 - Is Berlin a safe city to visit?


    12:48 - But, what about the language barrier?


    13:35 - Is it family-friend

    30 min

About Explore Europe

From the publisher's feed

Travel Tips & Local Secrets for U.S. Military Stationed In and Around Germany